XVI

by Julia Karr

In a future Chicago, Nina is nearly 16 — the age of adulthood, when every girl receives her tattoo and is legally old enough to be sexually active. Luckily, her mother taught her that turning 16 doesn’t automatically mean you have to start wanting that — in fact, Nina abhors the idea. She hates how teenagers are pressed into being promiscuous, but it’s hard to find other girls who agree. When tragedy strikes and Nina is suddenly unsure of everything she ever knew, it will take good friends, both old and new, to help keep her safe while she uncovers secrets that might bring about some much-needed change to her own life and the society she lives in.

So, I’ll just be blunt. This book did not do it for me. The writing was scripted and obvious. The characters were flat and everything was TOLD to me. The plot was interesting enough that I didn’t just chuck it at the wall, but I felt so disappointed in the execution. I think with some better editing and a more creative writing style this could have just been way more fun to read. The one positive is that at least Nina wasn’t boy-crazy like most of the girls in this book.

Rated: High for theme — sex is the main topic of this book. While there are no graphic scenes of actual intercourse, there are a few intense making-out scenes as well as just a lot of discussion about sex/sexuality in general. There are also several occasions of strong language as well as other moderate/mild language.

— Reviewed by Corinne Edwards

Corinne Edwards is always happiest when a book is in her hand. If her current read needs to be closed for a short time, either in her backpack while she leads her three rambunctious children on adventures, or on her nightstand while she sleeps, that's okay too. Her book thoughts and reviews land at her bookish blog, The Book Nest.